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Certified Animal Massage
Because every dog deserves to feel like a puppy again
Why Certified Animal Massage?
Working as part of a team with your veterinarian, we offer evidence-based relaxation, maintenance, and post-operative in-home animal massage services in the comfort of your home.​
Regular massage can help maintain and increase mobility, addressing pain and reducing the likelihood of future musculoskeletal injuries. It can serve as early detection of new mobility-related issues, allowing owners to be proactive in their best friend's care. Massage can also work to lessen the severity of age related mobility challenges for our senior companions.​
Find out more about our story here.
Helping Your Dog Feel Like a Puppy Again!
In-Home Certified Animal Massage Services Offered:
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Senior maintenance: Keep your aging friend moving smoothly.
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Mobility-centered bodywork: Is your dog slowing down on walks or having difficulty going up and down stairs due to muscle & joint pain? We can help!
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Post-operative support: Addressing compensatory muscle stiffness and pain that result from injury & lack of use. ​
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General relaxation: For stressed or depressed dogs or as a tranquil gift to your beloved companion.
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Preventative: Reducing likelihood of future injury caused by muscle tension & potential early detection of physical ailments.
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Environmental management consultation: Assessment and recommendations to make your home environment more safe and accessible for animals with mobility challenges, reducing likelihood of re-injury.
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Trigger Point release (externship in progress): for highly active, sport & working dogs. Immediate improvements in range of motion restrictions.
Full Benefits of Certified Massage
Certified massage sessions integrate anatomical expertise with targeted, muscle-specific techniques to benefit our furry companions in numerous ways: (Riley, 2021)
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Anatomical
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Addresses muscle stiffness and soreness
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Increased mobility and motility of muscle
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Improved fascial plasticity
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Improved joint range of movement
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Improved tissue movement and functionality
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Physiological
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Increased venous and lymphatic flow
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Increased fluid exchange between vascular system and peripheral tissues
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Addresses inflammation, pain, muscle fatigue
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Parasympathetic activation, including reduced cortisol and increased serotonin
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Psychological
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Reduced depression
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Reduced fear and anxiety
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Reduced stress
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Addresses pain
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Improved mood and demeanor
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Improved motivation​​​​​​​​​​
Contraindications
​Massage is never a replacement for veterinary care and is not appropriate in the following circumstances unless approved by your veterinarian:
- Acute illness
- Undiagnosed illness
- Undiagnosed mobility concern (eg. lameness, limping, pain, etc.)
- Skin conditions: open or healing wounds, undiagnosed conditions
- Contagious conditions (always contraindicated)
- Recent or healing trauma, within seven days from date of injury
- Unusual/unexplained signs of pain or discomfort
- Pregnancy
- Altered vital signs (abnormal respiratory rate, temperature, capillary refill time, dehydration symptoms)
Always consult with your veterinarian first!
What to expect
New clients will receive two forms - a vet referral form to be given to your primary veterinarian, as well as an intake form for yourself which will cover your dog's history and other pertinent information. Once we receive and review your information, we can get started with your first appointment!
Your first booking will be an initial intake session and will take up to two hours. This session will include a goal discussion, plan development, a comprehensive assessment that will evaluate gait, posture, positional transitions, as well as body condition. Once this is completed, the session will include up to one hour of massage.
At the end of the session, you will receive session notes highlighting any noteworthy points, anatomy diagrams, as well as recommendations for stretches to do at home in order to keep your pet feeling their best.
Subsequent sessions are up to one hour in duration. All sessions will take place in the comfort of your home, where your pet is most comfortable and relaxed.
Important: in order to prepare for your sessions, please ensure your dog is brushed, has had a chance to relieve themselves, and hasn't eaten in the two hour period leading up to the session (some treats are ok). If any changes occur in the health of your dog prior to your session, please let us know ASAP as your session may have to be rescheduled if contraindications are present (see above).
Ready to learn more?
See all of our service options HERE!
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What locations do you serve?We primarily work with clients located in Vancouver BC as well as North & West Vancouver. Clients located outside of these cities will have a travel fee added onto their session price.
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Where do animal massage sessions take place?All massage sessions take place in the comfort of your own home! Animals generally feel safest and most relaxed in their own living environment. The more relaxed your pet is, the more effective the session will be. Plus, this provides the added benefit of you not having to travel anywhere!
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How often should we book massage sessions?Regular massage leads to the best results. Following your intake massage session, we will develop a custom plan to meet you and your companion's needs. Improvements can appear in as little as 1 - 3 sessions, which can then can be maintained with regular sessions every 4 – 6 weeks. Dogs who are highly active, living with mobility challenge or pain, or are senior, are best supported with regular sessions every 1 to 3 weeks. Sometimes a higher frequency is suggested depending on your dog's condition. Your dog will often be the one to tell you when it is time to book another session. Generally, it is recommended to book another session when they appear to be slowing down, presenting with more stiffness, or displaying subtle signs of pain or discomfort. You will be provided with stretches and exercises you can do throughout the week in order to maintain the benefits of the massage for as long as possible.
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Are discounts available?Yes! We offer referral discounts. If the person you are referring books and completes a session, you will receive your next massage session or day of petcare free of charge! We also offer 10% for actively employed first responders with the following designations: EMR, EMT, PCP, ACP, CCP, EMCT, EMD, EFD, ECO, RN, 911 operator, firefighter, & police.
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Is massage just petting?Certified massage is much, much more than just petting! Massage sessions integrate anatomical expertise with targeted, muscle-specific techniques to benefit our furry companions in numerous ways. Peer-reviewed research reflects the immeasurable benefits that massage can bring to your furry friend's life. See below for more info
